Journalism

Liam Murphy

I’ve always had an interest in people and storytelling. Throughout my time in college, I’ve been fortunate to photograph and speak to some incredible people and hear incredible stories. From Zoom calls to Ukraine and Palestine, to speaking with musicians, politicians, market traders, grieving families, business owners, sportspeople, and everything in between.  

I’ve taken on various roles during the four years of this degree, from a social media editor with The Liberty to a production manager with The City and a deputy editor with Clic News. The final role I took on was photo editor of The Fine Print, a magazine described by Lizzie Gore-Grimes of Image Magazine as having photography that “really added to the quality of the finished product”.  

Having received six Student Media Award nominations during my studies, my hard work was awarded in April 2025, when I took home the award for News Photographer of the Year.  
 

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Twenty Years, No Answers – The Story of Terence Wheelock

Twenty years on from the controversial death of Summerhill’s Terence Wheelock in Garda custody, Liam Murphy explores the unanswered questions and persistent grief endured by the Wheelock family. 

The story begins with 20-year-old Terence Wheelock on his way to buy a paintbrush from a local hardware shop. His lunch was on, his clothes were in the wash ahead of a birthday party the following evening, and he was looking forward to redecorating his room. Just two and a half hours later, Wheelock was found unconscious in a Store Street Garda Station cell with a ligature tied around his neck. He remained in a three-month-long coma in the Mater Hospital before his death in September 2005.  

This article, described as “particularly interesting” by one judge at the Student Media Awards, provides a narrative through the voice of Wheelock’s older brother, Sammy, who recounts that day in vivid detail – “I have so many great memories with Terence, memories I treasure. But the memory of that horrific day tops them all,” he told The Fine Print.  

Despite official reports, an inquest, and a GSOC investigation ruling the death as a suicide attempt, the family remains firm in their belief that the circumstances surrounding Terence’s death were not properly investigated. “He was the happiest person,” Sammy said. “And for the guards to claim he suddenly died by suicide, it’s wrong.” 

The story does not just focus on past events but also highlights a strong ongoing fight. The ‘Justice for Terence Wheelock’ campaign continues to demand an independent public inquiry, gaining support from activists, public figures, and politicians alike. Drawing inspiration from the long-fought Stardust campaign, Sammy remains firm in his belief that justice is not only possible, but deserved, and essential. 

This feature is an exploration of loss, memory, and resilience. The Wheelock family’s pain is unimaginable for most, but so is their determination. As Sammy states, the tragedy has left them stuck in time, unable to fully grieve without closure. Their campaign is not just for justice and accountability; it’s a plea to allow healing to begin.